Success... The substitute for suicide.‏

Think of all the times when you could be taking your life over stupid shit. You might be in your bed at night praying to God and simply informing Him that if would be perfectly fine if you didn't wake up the next morning. I remember doing just that and actually felt relieved and comfortable after a few minutes of prayer and explaining the details of my request.
My head would rest softly on my pillow. The sorrow of how I had imprisoned myself in a place I couldn't get control of drifted peacefully from my mind and sleep would begin to overtake me.
I'd fall asleep feeling secure that my life was once again in the hands of God.
When the morning would come and I was awake again all thoughts of death were gone and I'd admit to myself that God didn't want any part of my misery.
After so many unsuccessful nights of wishing I was dead I eventually began doing things that started to change my life and with some effort I realized God had a much better plan for me.
It's really not that difficult to get on track and steer clear of suicide by substituting it with success.

"If The Shoe Fits" #4

Just because "We The People of The United States" allow you to "play house" in Our Country... it doesn't mean you actually belong here. - Rocky Magistro - July 4th. 2012

"If The Shoe Fits" #3

"You don't actually have to be happy to be happy for someone else."- Unknown

"If The Shoe Fits" #2

"Just because you have to read it... some people think that their opinion is worth the paper it's written on." - Unknown

"If The Shoe Fits" # 1

"Why is it when you share your ladder with someone and they fall off... they blame your ladder?" - Unknown

And That's That

(Q) Why won't my blood turn from red to rust? (A) My heart refuses to sit around collecting dust.

On The Phone

It was Nov 8, 1989. I was at, "The Hard Rock Cafe" doing a show/party for the 10th. Anniversary of the Sony, "Walkman." Lots of celebrities were there and hosted by Rich Little. Included as a guest was Dick Clark. Without going into all the details about the show, what it was like... bla-bla-bla, let's just cut to the chase.
Back then, for some reason, the place had only one pay phone. My wife, at the time, was in her ninth month of pregnancy with my second son, Carlo, so as soon as I got a break and the phone was available I called home to see how she was doing.
I was on for about a minute. I turned and saw Dick Clark standing behind me waiting to use the pay phone. I blinked my eyes a few times and said, "I'll be off in just a minute." He said, "No problem, take your time!"
On the phone, I hear my wife say, "Who's that you're talking to?" I said, "It's Dick Clark. He's waiting to use the phone." "Yeah sure, right, Dick Clark!" I felt I had to make this happen real quick so I turned to Mr. Clark and said, "Here Dick, you talk to her, she doesn't believe it's really you."
He smiled and took the phone from me and asked, "What's her name?" I said, "Gina." He opened a very brief conversation with, "Hi Gina! This is Dick Clark!" After a few words and wishing her best of luck with our baby he handed me the phone. I told my wife to calm down... and said good bye.
I gave the phone back to Dick Clark and while he was dialing I thanked him for, "making her day!"
Seven days later, Carlo was born. Here's to you Mr. Clark and how I'll remember you.